Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars: A Sweet Slice of Nostalgia

Are you ready for a burst of sweet, nostalgic flavor? These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are the perfect treat for any occasion. Combining the buttery, crumbly goodness of shortbread with the bright, cheerful pop of maraschino cherries, these bars are simple to make, visually stunning, and utterly delicious. This recipe is perfect for bake sales, holiday gatherings, or simply a sweet afternoon snack. Let’s dive in and create these irresistible bars!

Why You’ll Love These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

• Buttery and Crumbly: The shortbread base is rich, buttery, and melts in your mouth.
• Sweet and Cheerful: Maraschino cherries add a delightful sweetness and a festive touch.
• Easy to Make: This recipe requires minimal ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Perfect for Sharing: These bars are easy to cut and serve, making them ideal for gatherings.
• Visually Appealing: The vibrant red cherries against the golden shortbread create a beautiful presentation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Shortbread Base:

• All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (250g), plus more for dusting
• Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks, 226g), cold and cut into cubes
• Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (60g)
• Salt: ¼ teaspoon
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon

For the Maraschino Cherry Filling:

• Maraschino Cherries: 1 jar (10 oz), drained and chopped
• Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons
• Almond Extract: ½ teaspoon (optional, but enhances the cherry flavor)

Optional Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: ½ cup (60g)
• Milk or Maraschino Cherry Juice: 1-2 tablespoons

Equipment You’ll Need

• 9×13 inch Baking Pan
• Parchment Paper
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Food Processor or Pastry Blender (optional)
• Rubber Spatula
• Sharp Knife

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Shortbread Base

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal. This will prevent sticking and make it simple to lift the bars out later.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and salt. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent texture in the shortbread.

3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly dispersed throughout the flour, creating small pockets of fat that will result in a tender and flaky shortbread.

Alternatively, you can use a food processor: Pulse the flour, powdered sugar, and salt together in the food processor. Add the cold, cubed butter and pulse until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to over-process, as this can lead to a tough shortbread.

4. Add Vanilla Extract: Stir in the vanilla extract. This adds a subtle but important flavor note to the shortbread, enhancing its overall taste.

5. Press into Pan: Press the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan. Use the bottom of a measuring cup or your fingers to firmly pack the shortbread. Ensure the surface is smooth and even. This will provide a uniform base for the cherry filling.

6. Bake the Base: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. The center should still be pale. Baking the shortbread base before adding the cherry filling ensures that it is fully cooked and provides a sturdy foundation for the bars.

7. Cool Slightly: Remove from the oven and let the shortbread cool slightly while you prepare the cherry filling. This prevents the filling from melting too quickly and sinking into the base.

Step 2: Prepare the Maraschino Cherry Filling

1. Drain and Chop Cherries: Drain the maraschino cherries well, discarding the juice (or reserving it for the optional glaze). Chop the cherries into smaller pieces. Draining the cherries prevents the filling from being too watery, and chopping them ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout the filling.

2. Combine Cherries and Cornstarch: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cherries and cornstarch. Toss to coat the cherries evenly. The cornstarch helps to thicken the filling and prevent it from becoming runny during baking.

3. Add Almond Extract (Optional): Stir in the almond extract, if using. Almond extract complements the cherry flavor beautifully, adding a subtle depth to the filling.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake the Bars

1. Spread Cherry Filling: Spread the cherry mixture evenly over the partially baked shortbread base. Ensure the filling covers the entire surface of the shortbread for a consistent flavor in every bite.

2. Bake Again: Return the pan to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the shortbread is golden brown. Keep an eye on the bars to prevent the cherries from burning.

3. Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan before cutting. This allows the filling to set properly and prevents the bars from crumbling when cut. Cooling them completely, preferably in the refrigerator, is crucial for clean cuts.

Step 4: Make the Optional Glaze

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk (or maraschino cherry juice) until smooth. Add more liquid as needed to reach your desired consistency. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the bars.

2. Drizzle Glaze: Once the bars are completely cool, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Alternatively, you can spread the glaze with a knife for a more uniform look.

3. Let Glaze Set: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before cutting the bars.

Step 5: Cut and Serve

1. Lift from Pan: Using the parchment paper overhang, lift the bars out of the pan. This makes it easy to transfer the bars to a cutting board.

2. Cut into Bars: Use a sharp knife to cut the bars into squares or rectangles. The size of the bars is up to your preference. For clean cuts, use a warm, damp knife.

3. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars and enjoy! They are delicious on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Perfect Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating a flaky shortbread. Make sure the butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. You can even freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before using it.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the shortbread dough can result in a tough texture. Mix the ingredients just until they come together.
• Drain Cherries Well: Properly draining the maraschino cherries is essential to prevent a soggy filling. Pat them dry with paper towels if needed.
• Cool Completely: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling. Refrigerating them for a short time can also help.
• Use Parchment Paper: Lining the baking pan with parchment paper makes it easy to remove the bars and prevents sticking.
• Add a Pinch of Salt: A pinch of salt in the shortbread base enhances the sweetness of the cherries and balances the overall flavor.
• Vary the Size of the Cherries: You can leave some cherries halved and chop others smaller for a more varied texture.
• Experiment with Extracts: Try using different extracts, such as lemon or orange, to complement the cherry flavor.
• Add Nuts: Sprinkle chopped almonds or pecans over the cherry filling before baking for added crunch and flavor.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour to make these bars gluten-free.

Variations to Try

• Chocolate Cherry Shortbread Bars: Add ½ cup of cocoa powder to the shortbread base for a chocolatey twist. You can also drizzle melted chocolate over the finished bars.
• Almond Cherry Shortbread Bars: Add ¼ cup of almond flour to the shortbread base and increase the almond extract in the filling to 1 teaspoon.
• Coconut Cherry Shortbread Bars: Sprinkle shredded coconut over the cherry filling before baking for a tropical flavor.
• Citrus Cherry Shortbread Bars: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the shortbread base for a bright and refreshing flavor.
• Spiced Cherry Shortbread Bars: Add ½ teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the shortbread base for a warm and comforting flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Enjoy with Coffee or Tea: These bars are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.
• Serve with Ice Cream: Top the bars with a scoop of vanilla or cherry ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• Pack in Lunchboxes: These bars make a great addition to lunchboxes for a sweet treat.
• Bring to Parties: These bars are easy to transport and share, making them ideal for parties and gatherings.
• Gift Them: Package the bars in a decorative box or tin to give as a thoughtful homemade gift.

How to Store Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars

To keep your Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars fresh and delicious, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Store the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bars in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming too soft.
• Freezer: You can also freeze these bars for up to 2-3 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw them in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per bar)

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Calories: 200-250
• Fat: 12-15g
• Saturated Fat: 8-10g
• Cholesterol: 30-40mg
• Sodium: 50-70mg
• Carbohydrates: 25-30g
• Sugar: 15-20g
• Protein: 2-3g

Conclusion

These Maraschino Cherry Shortbread Bars are a delightful treat that combines the best of buttery shortbread and sweet, cheerful cherries. Easy to make and perfect for any occasion, they are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re baking for a bake sale, a holiday gathering, or simply a sweet afternoon snack, these bars are a guaranteed hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a sweet slice of nostalgia!